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So, you're obviously interested in what Linux has to offer you.
But, perhaps you're concerned that you will not be able to use this new
and innovative desktop system. Or, perhaps you just don't like
the thought of having to learn how to use a computer all over again.
Granted, there are some differences between the Linux operating system
and those other operating systems. Let's face it, if there wasn't
Linux wouldn't be much better than them... which it is.
However, let's take a look at some screenshots of a typical Linux
desktop and it's applications. You'll see you already know more
about using Linux than you first thought.
Click on any of the screenshots to get a close look.
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Easy to understand menus and
familiar applications:
 This
first screenshot is what a typical session of Mandriva One 2007 looks
like. You can see that the desktop in this example is made up of
familiar components - a toolbar, desktop short cuts (or icons), a
"start" button, clock, an application directory menu, a workspace, and
applications that run in movable windows.
You can see how Mandriva One makes the menu directory easy to
understand. Instead of listing the names of the installed
applications, it tells you what the applications are used for.
This is good for the novice Linux user, as he/she may not recognize the
names of individual applications just yet.
This screen is also displaying the word processor, OpenOffice Write
(the spreadsheet application is in behind it). As you can see, it
looks very similar to other word processors - like WordPerfect or
MS-Word. It also functions the same way, with some added features
you won't even find in MS-Word 2007.
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Powerful instant messenger to keep you
in-touch:
 This
is a screenshot of the Instant Messenger application. There is
only one IM application because, with Linux, one is all you need.
This IM can connect to many different messenger services - like MS
Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, and Jabber to name a few - so you don't need to
download software for all of the different service providers.
This makes it very easy for you to communicate with all of your
friends, no matter which provider they use, by turning several chat
clients into one. If you've ever used an instant messenger
application before, you'll take to this one like how a duck takes to
water.
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A web browser for all occassions:
 This
screenshot is demonstrating a couple of things. First, you'll
notice the different desktop layout. With Linux, you have control
over how your desktop looks and performs. In this demonstration,
the "start" button and toolbar is along the top of the screen, while
the open applications minimize bar is along the bottom.
The application you see running on the desktop work area is the web
browser. Linux has been the innovator behind today's most
sophistocated web browsers - like IE 7, Apple Safari, and Mozilla
Firefox. Users of Linux have been using web browsers with pop-up
blocking capabilities, better security, and make use of tabbed browsing
for the past several years.
As you can see, all of your typical browser elements are present and
familiar.
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Hardware management has never been easier:
 Until
recently, hardware and system management has been the big hurdle for
many people moving over to Linux. Noticed I wrote "has". With the latest
advancements in Mandriva Linux, system management is now as easy as
reading the instructions on a box of instant oatmeal.
This screenshot is what the Mandriva Control Center looks like.
Through this innovation, even a person with limited computing skills
can keep their Linux system up to date and add (or remove) hardware
components and peripherals with relative ease.
Just by looking at this static screenshot, I'm sure you could determine
where you would go to set-up a new ink jet printer you may have just
bought.
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Your photos and multi-media files at your
fingertips:
 No
need to go out and purchase expensive software to manage your photos
and other multi-media files. Mandriva Linux comes with excellent
support for your important memories built in to the system.
This screenshot is of the image management and editing tool,
Digikam. All of your photos are displayed in full colour
thumbnail images, along with important information, which you can
customize. Sort your photos into albums for easy access.
Crop them and adust their colours in a few mouse clicks. Add
important comments that adds historical information for later reference.
Linux gives you the freedom and capability to use your data the way you
want to use it.
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All work and no play makes Linux a dull OS:
 Linux
isn't all just for work, either. Your movies (home movies from a
digital camcorder or DVDs) will be at home just as much with Linux as
they are on other computer systems.
This screenshot is of the movie player that comes with Mandriva
One. Full screen or in window mode, you'll be able to enjoy your
movie collection any time you want too.
To the right of the movie application window you'll see Knotes in
action. This is an application that simulates post-it notes for
your desktop. Create a post note and move it anywhere on your
desktop - never forget an appointment or important message again.
You can even send your electronic notes to anyone else running Knotes
on their desktop.
This is one of the many useful applications that come with your
Mandriva Linux system.
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Linux can do it all; and can do it without compromising your
safety, security, or freedom.
Make your computer time more productive!
Make using your computer FUN again!
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E-mail us
at:
iwannabefree
(at sign) virtualsky.net
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Our
goal
is to put the enjoyment back
